Rocking my little boy...

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord." Psalms 127:3

I was rocking Aaron this morning and just cuddling with him. He'd been whiny and just wanted to be held... so up in my arms with blankie we went to mamma's rocking chair... and of course all was well then.  He fell asleep in short order and I told Taylor I didn't think he was feeling very well, after all he had just had the stomach flu a few days before... Taylor laughed and told me I was just making excuses for him! "Well," I thought... "maybe I am."  

Aaron is just two and he is still so sweet and innocent... but he is also very manipulating, as most children are.  It doesn't take long for a new born child to realize that when he cries or screams he/she gets attention... whether it be food, a clean diaper or simply to be held and rocked, they know how to get what they want. As our children grow older into toddler-hood they are still in the process of being trained by parents or training their parents. Either way, some training is going on! Younger children definitely know how to hold onto a parents heart strings and woo with their sweet  smiles or sorrowful tears.

What happens when the child is in control though? I would say much frustration and exasperation are more often felt over the child then feelings of peaceful joy. Children are a job and one not to be taken lightly. We as Christian parents need to prayerfully seek the Lords leading and wisdom in this challenging role.  As many of you know our family you know we are in most stages of the 'parenting game', and challenged we are.  It is difficult to know when to scold and when to overlook... when to punish and when to understand... But God is with us when we seek Him and His wisdom.  We need to remember that these children are not really our own... they are His, loaned to us for a short time... a time to raise them for Him... to train them for His glory.

"Brighten your day and lighten your way and lessen your cares with daily prayers.  Quiet your mind and leave tension behind and find inspiration in hushed meditation."  Helen Steiner Rice.

Until next time,
Jean



   

Bluebirds in Fall...

The other day as we were getting ready for market I noticed what looked like a Eastern Bluebird flying around the front garden. I thought surely not, not in the fall... but sure enough there were not one but two~ a pair I imagine! They were going over to the bird house that was meant for them, but get bullied out of each Spring by the sparrows... and again they were being harassed by them. They must have been migrating South and happened by our yard for a rest and bite to eat... either way, it was extremely special to me on such a busy day.  As I stopped to watch them for awhile, they were busily in the garden looking for bugs along with the Gold Finches eating sunflower seeds with the Blue Jays... it was really enchanting... a bit later the Bluebirds, Gold Finches and Sparrows were all bathing and drinking out of the same puddle in the drive way... we got rain all night! I thought about how nicely they were all getting along now compared to earlier with the bird house.  I think the difference was there is just one bird house compared to multiple puddles... (or 'muddles' as Evan calls them)... and food opportunities.   We can be a bit like that too, can't we? 

Everything is going along just fine, we're all getting along famously and then...  There are two friends competing for the same job position... or a family member just got another new car~ (the third in four years) while we drive the same old one we've had for the last eight years... or the neighbor just got a new roof and windows when ours are leaking and drafty... fill in your situation here...  We all can because we are all human and have wants and desires and dreams... we also have needs that sometimes we may not feel are being quite met accordingly by friend, family member or spouse...

What it all boils down to is vanity though... what we want that is.  Sometimes we just have to let go of the wants and understand that if we can't be content with the situation at present, we probably won't be content with the situation we think we want.  That's the way want's go... 'much want's more'.
As we trust Him with our life and allow Him to determine our path the consequences are sure to fit just right... that is with His perfect plan for us...

"The only way I will keep a pliable, obedient spirit in the larger decisions is to look to Him and to obey in the smaller ones."  Catherine Marshall

Until next time,
Jean

     

Life's Lessons...

"A Cheerful smile, a friendly word, a sympathetic nod, all priceless little treasures from the storehouse of our God." Helen Steiner Rice

We all like to be smiled at...frowns make us feel sad and disappointed, while a smile can make a bad day seem better.  Smiles and kind words are what our goal needs to be when we deal with others, including our family members. 

My littlest one Aaron knows when I have a scowl on my face... and he too knows how to make a scowl.  I try not to laugh when he does it, but it is so terribly cute... although the attitude behind it must be dealt with.  When mother scowls Aaron looks sad and usually comes running into my arms for reassurance. He is so little and his heart so tender. Evan too knows when mother scowls it isn't a good thing... his scowls aren't so cute anymore.  We work on these things though. Our children cherish kind words, hugs & kisses, gentle caresses and tender looks... we as adults long for that as well.

God has both smiles and scowls for his children as well. He like a tender, loving parent knows when we need one or the other and never makes a mistake.  Unlike us human parents who are always making them, He does not. We can have faith and trust that the circumstances in our life are just what he is 'allowing'. I have mentioned in times past God has a permissive will and a perfect will.  If we bug Him long enough about something, whether it be the best thing for us or not, He may just allow it to come to be to teach an important lesson on faith and timing.  On the other hand, if we trust and submit ourselves to His perfect will, always praying that way, we can be sure that all things will work together for good to those who love Him...

But we're human aren't we... prone to be like children... a bit demanding and whiny. It's not pretty, but it's true. I remember when our daughter Taylor was about six years old, we were making some chicken noodle soup and I was putting bouillon cubes into it.  She was always begging for stuff not always knowing or understanding what it was she was begging for... well, this day I thought she needs to learn to stop begging... so I gave her a hunk... too say the least she spat it out quickly!  Now some of you may be thinking that was mean, but it wasn't... she begged for things like pepper and other things that would make her sick... I took her then and explained that is why she shouldn't beg... she did learn the lesson. It's funny now though, because she loves to cook and she is the biggest 'taster' I know... life's lessons.

That's the way it is with our Heavenly Father... sometimes we bug and bug and beg and beg... He's gonna let us taste and learn, and sometimes it might not taste good...

Until next time,
Jean

Great Faith

"If my faith, my belief, my confidence are in myself, then they cannot at the same time be resting in God!"  Tozer

What a statement by wise Tozer of old... what a statement to get a mind stimulated in thinking where our faith does rest... in my own imagined strength or in His perfect, unfailing strength...

The other day Taylor was going to get fuel in the truck... it was on fumes... but that is besides the point because I truly do believe that all things happen for a reason... both good and bad.  Well, she calls me to tell me that the truck started to sputter and she was still several miles from the closest gas station and so she prayed that God would just let her get to the gas station... suddenly the truck stopped sputtering and drove smoothly.  She made it to the station with no problems... on the wings of prayer. 

He always hears, especially those cries from His young children... the ones that He is trying to build that trust in... the babes that are still drinking milk... I was so blessed by this... another seed sprouted.

This feeling... when one of your children finds the faith... it's such a joy, an over whelming joy... It's in the keeping of it though... This is the building stage~ faith, trust and belief.  God want's it for each of us... He wants to show us that no matter what, He is there waiting with open arms to carry us through.  "Hold on," He says. "I will never leave nor forsake thee..."  What a precious promise that needs to be instilled in their young, tender hearts... How do we grow this precious seed in them when we fail so often and so hard sometimes?  That is my question in life... how?

By example He says... by example through humility and confession of our wrongs and mistakes... by the seeking of forgiveness and always giving forgiveness, whether sought after or not... by loving unconditionally... to apply all these things in our daily life is a challenge, but it can be done...
In His strength...

Until next time,
Jean

     

Faith in Love

"Faith must be strong, or love will not be fervent; the root of the flower must be healthy, or we cannot expect the bloom to be sweet. Faith is the lily’s root, and love is the lily’s bloom. Now, reader, Jesus cannot be in your heart’s love except you have a firm hold of him by your heart’s faith; and, therefore, pray that you may always trust Christ in order that you may always love him. If love be cold, be sure that faith is drooping."  Charles Spurgeon

I often talk about the challenges we face in life as opportunities to glorify the Lord.  It's not always easy when your in the heat of it though... I think we would all agree on that one.  Saturday morning Kyle, Ryan & I were heading down to market... Kyle was driving and suddenly we heard this big bang and then scraping... so thankfully we had just pulled away from a red light and were able to pull off to the side of the road.  After some investigation we discovered our hitch had buckled... we could hardly believe it.  Well, I told Kyle to unhitch and we would have to turn around and go swap out a truck with someone.  So after a call, a good friend was on the way to meet us and trade trucks... at 5:45am... like I said... good friends!  As we headed back I was trying to stay calm considering the time we would be getting to market now and the set up that is required with our stuff... Suddenly Kyle says, "There must have been a really big accident up there mom."  I looked at him and wanted to cry... a seed planted had sprouted.  I always tell the children when stuff like happens... we are running late, stuck at a train, behind a slow moving vehicle or whatever that the Lord must be sparing us of some accident up ahead...  My heart was so blessed by my child...

I have to remain steadfast in my walk with the Lord to be able to maintain this attitude... I must continually rely on His guidance in my life to be able to love unconditionally.  I must keep my focus on Him and me... I cannot loose site of the goal!  The 'emotional' feelings that we have typically result in words and conduct that aren't always appropriate.  We cannot trust our emotions.  The way each person perceives or interprets a particular circumstance in which they are in will have a large impact on the emotional feelings they have.  Thereby resulting in our words and actions.  So long as we keep Christ on the Throne of hearts... so long as we keep our self off... and remain focused on the goal...

What is the goal in all this.... to trust in the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul... then and only then can we be steadfast.

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee; thy right hand upholdeth me." Psalms 63:7-8

Until next time,
Jean
     

But the greatest of these is love...

First Corinthians 13 is affectionately called The Love Chapter by all those that love our Lord & Maker.  Our message at church this morning was on this chapter... it gave me lots to glean from and much to work on in my life...

But what is love we may ask?

Though we may be treated unfairly and even cruelly, Charity suffereth long and is kind in return.
Though all evil may abound around us, Charity envieth not after the things of the world.
Though we do our share and yet stand in the back corner to not be seen, Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up and looking for self glory.
Though our angers rage within because of hurts and mistreating's, Charity doth not behave itself unseemly and hurt in return.
Though there may be exclaims for others over what we have done, Charity seeketh not her own but rejoices for those praised.
Though the devil himself may seek whom he can devour, Charity is not easily provoked and does not repay evil for evil.
Though we may be misjudged and misused, Charity thinketh no evil on those accusers.
Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth because the truth shall make us free.
Charity beareth all things when things seem unbearable.
Charity believeth all things because His word is true and we can do all things through Christ which strengthenth us.
Charity hopeth all things when all seems hopeless.
Charity endureth all things because of He who died on the cross for us.
Charity never faileth...  because God Is Love!

quiet reflections from my heart,
Until next time,
Jean

     

Judging Others

"Therefor thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." Romans 2:1 KJV

Judging is a harsh thing, but we all do it. Whether it is the lady at the grocery store with the screaming child~ she just needs to da-da-da-da-da... or the homeless person standing on the corner~ there are tons of jobs out there buddy, read the paper!   It can be the sister in the church that just doesn't do things right or the brother that talks too loud. Judging is judging and it is wrong. 

So how do we stop judging others when it seems to be the inherent nature of mankind?  Well, that is not an easy question to answer, but I think it probably starts in each of our own hearts and the level of pride we have.  It seems the more prideful a person is the more judgmental he is on others.  The better we think we are, the more we are able to look down our noses at others and condemn them for their wrongs and shortcomings.  It is interesting to me when a person say's they are not prideful as they are ripping another person apart... 

I believe that a person who has been forgiven much will be a more forgiving person. I believe a person who has tried to forsake sin and live their life for the Lord is not immune from erring or making mistakes... we are all human and we fail... but it is the attitude with the failing... an honest look at oneself with a determination to keep pressing on and doing better with the Lords help or an attitude of, "Oh well, that's just the way I am..." 

The Christian life is not one of ease and fluff... but it is worth the effort...
When we feel like looking down, we need to keep looking up to Him that is faithful and will keep us from falling,

Until next time,
Jean






     

Forgiveness is a beautiful thing...

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12

Forgiveness is a beautiful thing... it is freeing and gives a peace within the heart and mind that no words can truly express. 

When our children, spouse or a friend ask for forgiveness for a wrong done, are we quick to cast it away, leave it behind and move on to pleasant pastures... or do we forgive in word only while deep within their is still a bit of that hurt being held onto...  As humans with a very Adamic nature it can be difficult to 'just let go'... but with Christ's love with in the heart it can be much easier. When we can focus on what He has done for us and have the faith to know and truly understand the depth of His great love, it should be easier.

I often watch our two littlest ones, Evan & Aaron and think how cute & funny they can be. Aaron has a few words yet Evan seems always to understand his jibber-jabber... This morning they were playing in the sandbox under their climber and Aaron was wanting something... Evan quick got it for him and then all was well again.  I told Evan that was very nice of him to make Aaron happy... big smiles from both.  Not too much later the shrills began... now it was a different story... Evan wanted something and Aaron did not want to 'give it up' shall we say.  A few words and all was well again... I am sorry, big hugs & mushy kisses and off they went.  I beleive this is what Jesus meant when he said as Christians we are to be as little children... They are easily entreated, quick to forgive and forget, they have an incredible amount of trust and faith... Children set good examples for us adults in some situations...

Let us forgive and love as Christ, for He gave through death on the cross the perfect example...
Until next time,
Jean

Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart

"Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

This was the Bible verse in one of my daily devotions today... I love this verse... it gives strength to the weary... faith in times of needless worry... peace when the storms are raging...

Children don't seem to let life's situations get to them too much, especially when they are little... dad and mom will take care of it.  Why can't I say, 'Dad, (God) WILL take care of it?'... I know He will, He always has.  Human nature is so much against faith, don't you think?  We always want to take care of things on our own in our own way in our own time.  But we are told that His ways are not our ways, and our thoughts are not His thoughts... I know this is true.  I am so human and proned to fail, but I know that I can keep pressing on because He is by my side.  When all my friends fail me... when the world around is cold... when family is against me... I have Him always, for if He is for me who can be against me?

We as parents always try to do our very best for our children and sometimes doing our best is letting them fall off that bike a few times till they get the hang of it... because we know they will... just keep trying.  We trust that our children will someday understand why we said 'no' to so many things... because we do know better, despite what they think.  We let them try their wings as they grow older and have faith that they will come back home safely... because they know we care.  This is the way it is with our Heavenly Father as well... we are babes in the beginning and the trials are small and easy... we grow into our spiritual youth and the tests become a bit more trying... but He knows what we can bear... we come into our mature years and the trials of life become larger... because He knows they will help us grow... yet a bit longer and into our later years we arrive, when the challenges we faced in this life will give us the words to encourage others...

He knows and He cares,
Until next time,
Jean




         

God made man...

"God made man in His own image and He keeps the longing after eternity and a desire after everlasting life there within the hearts of men."  Tozer 

I have always believed that people are in a constant inner battle... one where their soul and flesh are ever struggling against one another. The soul has a constant yearning to go back to Heaven from which it came while the flesh loves to indulge in the things of the world. 

When I read the above mentioned quote in one of my devotions I immediately thought about this... As parents we strive to teach our children right from wrong... we try to keep them out of harms way... we try to protect them from the dangers all around... we try to teach them to obey and be kind... we work at all these life lessons for a multitude of years until one day they go out into the world on their own.  Then we stand back and watch... what decisions will they make when mom and dad are not their telling them what they may and may not do? I believe that a child's heart want's to please it's father and mother and be obedient, but it's flesh wants what it wants... and so starts life's battle at such a young age.  As we grow older and realize our need for a Saviour we still have this battle... now it is us who earnestly longs to obey our Heavenly Father, but our flesh want's what it wants... hence the spiritual battle. 

In another recent devotion this statement was made,  "God created man with a God shaped void, and only God can fill that void."  Once we have experienced this feeling of the Holy Spirit filling it is such a complete and peaceful lifting of ones soul... words cannot describe.  Yet the spiritual battle rages on and we must strive to reach that Heavenly goal until one day we shall hear, "Well done my faithful servant, enter in..."

May we fight on victoriously,
Until next time,
Jean



   

God walking in the garden...

“The voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.”  Gen. 3:8

I was doing my devotions last evening before bed and this was what the Lord gave to me... He is so faithful and always knows just what I need... He knows each of our hearts... better than we ourselves... He has a goal for my life and for yours...

"My soul, now that the cool of the day has come, retire awhile and hearken to the voice of thy God. He is always ready to speak with thee when thou art prepared to hear. If there be any slowness to commune it is not on his part, but altogether on thine own, for he stands at the door and knocks, and if his people will but open he rejoices to enter. But in what state is my heart, which is my Lord’s garden? May I venture to hope that it is well trimmed and watered, and is bringing forth fruit fit for him? If not, he will have much to reprove, but still I pray him to come unto me, for nothing can so certainly bring my heart into a right condition as the presence of the Sun of Righteousness, who brings healing in his wings. Come, therefore, O Lord, my God, my soul invites thee earnestly, and waits for thee eagerly. Come to me, O Jesus, my well-beloved, and plant fresh flowers in my garden, such as I see blooming in such perfection in thy matchless character! Come, O my Father, who art the Husbandman, and deal with me in thy tenderness and prudence! Come, O Holy Spirit, and bedew my whole nature, as the herbs are now moistened with the evening dews. O that God would speak to me. Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth! O that he would walk with me; I am ready to give up my whole heart and mind to him, and every other thought is hushed. I am only asking what he delights to give. I am sure that he will condescend to have fellowship with me, for he has given me his Holy Spirit to abide with me for ever. Sweet is the cool twilight, when every star seems like the eye of heaven, and the cool wind is as the breath of celestial love. My Father, my elder Brother, my sweet Comforter, speak now in lovingkindness, for thou hast opened mine ear and I am not rebellious." Charles Spurgeon

If ever man's words spoke my heart's longing these are them...Be blessed
Until next time,
Jean
    

Dragonflies and my little boys...

So we're at market today and it's about 12:30ish... all of a sudden I see a dragonfly... I can't believe it... right there in the middle of the market!  Then as it got closer I noticed it was a mating pair, the smaller male was riding on her back as they fluttered and hovered about... but that wasn't all, suddenly I see another and another... seven pairs in all!  I love dragonflies and I always tell the children when I see one in an unusual spot I know the Lord sent it for me to admire and think about Him... His wonderful handiwork in nature... perfection in the smallest and intricate details.  They hovered over the green area until we left at about three o'clock... so peaceful and beautiful...

Last night as I lay sandwiched between Evan and Aaron, I was laying them down for bed, Aaron is all cuddled in and stroking my cheek... Evan is 'nuggled in behind me holding on tight... by the way I am very claustrophobic... it is getting a little to 'nuggly for mom... Evan usually dozes off first and then Aaron is not to far behind... they are so sweet.  As I lay there looking into Aaron's big blue eyes I remember when I was expecting him and remember looking at Evan in what is now Aaron's 'spot'... I remember thinking as I looked at him, 'how could I love another child as much as loved this little one?... I was fortyish and feeling it.  Now I look at him and can't believe I ever wondered... I look at him and the love I feel is sometimes overwhelming to tears... it's that way with each of them... especially when they are sleeping <smile>... They each have a heart string that tugs... so many mother heart prayers sent up for these children...

"There seemed to be something huge and important to say; But somehow, then, we could never think of the words.  Anyway, they would keep, so it did not matter, And there would be time and time enough to remember; so we laughed as the years flew over our heads like birds.  And then, one day, we remembered them; ran all the way, breathless came running, and beat and called at your door; at the door of a house whose silence and emptiness mocked us, for you had slipped out the back way, quite quietly, leaving "I love, and thank you," unneeded, unsaid, ever more." Margaret Willy

Love is a wonderful to have and to give... share it as often as you can... some day they will be gone...
Until next time,
Jean

Loving Kindness...

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

We are faced with challenges every day. They can come in many different forms, but yet they remain challenges that we must face and deal with.  I see this real close up in my children's relationships with each other... I think I have mentioned that I was an only child and don't always get the bickering that happens in everyday life between siblings... although with six children I have had to learn to 'get it' as time as pressed on.  It always amazes me how they can be getting along famously one minute and the next be fighting like cats & dogs... ahh, parenthood!  I try to understand that just because they are children doesn't mean they don't have frustrations as well as happiness. They are people too with likes and dislikes...

Loving kindness is the lesson that must be taught though.  This is a challenge in itself as a parent... how to train this in children when you yourself have this struggle... The blessing in all this is that I don't have to do it all alone... I have my Lord and He is there each and every day as I seek His guidance in all life's challenges I face. He is there to encourage me through His word, church messages, through my family and friends.  Life may present those challenges, but I believe that 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me'...

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3).
Until next time,
Jean

Our Speech...

... is a true reflection of our hearts... the Bible says it is, so it is.

As I reflected on this, I thought deep and hard and sought the Lord and wisdom for myself... for as I have mentioned this is my weakness.  Each day I long for the Lord to 'keep a guard over my mouth...'  Each day I strive to think before I speak... He is faithful even when I am not. 

As I pondered I thought about the truth in this... often times what goes on in our thought's isn't necessarily what we want to come out of our mouths... we don't always think 'nice' things.  Then stresses come along... frustrations...  we get diverted out of our 'positive' thought patterns and... oh no, why did I say that?  happens again.  Sometimes our thought patterns are not what they should be... sometimes we don't want to hurt others with our true feelings... sometimes we are just mad...
How do I find victory in these things is my constant question and longing... I need to concentrate on the Lord and what His word teaches...

Here are some helps that I treasure...

What is Peter’s advice?
"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing: knowing that ye are
thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile" (I Peter 3:9-10).

Who does the Apostle James say is a perfect man?
"If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body" (James 3:2).

How do our words reflect the condition of the heart?
Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."

His word is true and will bring life to those who seek it's truth,
Until next time,
Jean
    

Complexities of Life

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians 3:13 KJV

The tongue is an unruly evil that no man can tame... this is true because the Bible say's it is.  I believe it, because I live it!  My mouth is where I most often stumble and fall in my christian walk along with my bad temper.  It seems my temper is lit and then my mouth follows right quick behind.  It seems no matter how hard I try I just can't seem to conquer this unfavorable trait.  I wonder if this is what Paul means by the thorn in the flesh... or maybe it is a bit of pride...I don't know. 

I always tell the children to use kind words and be kind to one another and others... but more is caught than taught they say.  I want to set an example of this through my life for them, but boy is it difficult some days...  They also say that our children are a reflection of who we are... I want so much to have a reflection of Christ in my life that it will shine through onto them... Forgiveness is also a trait that I want to teach them... one I hope I set a better example in.  I know that I often need to go to them and ask for forgiveness... Children are so forgiving in nature when they are little... they are so quick to say, 'no problem mom!'  I am thankful for that.  Our children will learn to ask and give forgiveness much more quickly when they see it being practiced by us parents... just like kind words and slow to anger lessons... I have a lot of work to do in my life, but I am glad that He is always there to forgive and help me keep moving forward.

Forgiveness is a gift that none of us are truly worthy of...  
Until next time,
Jean

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give" Winston Churchill

Boy time has a way of ticking on by... I can't believe I haven't been here in several days... I absolutely love my blogging but I love being outside even more... strolling through the gardens, picking a weed here & there... walking hand in hand with little Evan and Aaron and smelling the flowers.  The other day I was watering the porch pots and Aaron wandered over to the front garden where I have a row of peonies... there he was very carefully clutching each bloom, which by the way were almost the size of his precious little head, and sticking his wee little noes way in to take a big whiff... so innocent & sweet. 

On Sunday at church the minister gave this quote:  "Satan would rather have us to do good things and not be good people.  God would have us to be good people so we do good things."  I thought that was interesting... and then the above quote by Churchill was on the bottom of my journal page... how fitting I thought, and very true indeed.  We are always on the way to do this or that and life has a way of getting ahead of us... then all of a sudden we realize that we missed some important stuff along the way.  Our children won't always be little and we always won't be young...

Today was our second child, first son, Kyle's first day of driver's training... wow, how time flies.  I can still see him taking his first steps and toddling about in a diaper... now he is behind the wheel of our truck... they don't stay little long.  I want to take the time to be what they need... what my husband needs... what God want's me to be... I want my family and friends to remember me for what I gave in the way of my time and love, not what I accomplished in life.

Take time and smell the roses... the blooms fade fast.
Until next time,
Jean

Sorrow Upon Sorrow...

"Wealth... good health, good humor, and good sense, no one is poor with this defense."
                                              Helen Steiner Rice

I often think of the life of Job... he was a man that was tried to the depth of his soul, yet he never forsook God and never charged Him as doing anything wrong... that is faith.  There have been many Job's since him and I think that the Lord allowed his story to be told in His book so that all of us may look to it as an example as to how we should behave during the trials in our life.  Faith and trust... the two go hand in hand... and when we have the Lord Jesus dwelling in our hearts and active in our lives, we need not worry for tomorrow... He takes care of the sparrow and He will surely take care of me.

The above quote states that good health is part of wealth, and I do believe that this is true, but I believe that poverty and illness can also we wealth in a life devoted to Him... most of us reading this probably don't know what 'true' poverty is... folks who went through the depression would have a pretty good idea I do believe... but for the most part we all have it pretty good.  Yes we may run late on some bills occasionally and can't do a vacation every year or get the latest and greatest... but we are far from living in an ally in a cardboard box.  Illness too, if allowed will draw us closer to Him... it can bring a peace knowing He is in control of it all, and will do what he knows is best...

...what is wealth...Wealth to me is a life that is filled with the Holy Spirit dwelling within... a life devoted to serving Jesus in all I do... a walk that is so close to the Father that I can feel His protecting arms... wealth has nothing to do with the checkbook, it has everything to do with the soul...
Life is filled with both sorrow's and joy's and we are taught that 'in all things give Him praise'...  What more can we want when He is filling our everyday with love.

Until next time,
Jean
     

Good Morning!

What lovely words to hear as you start your day afresh... a smile alighted upon your face...
I love when I hear little Aaron's toddling feet scamper down the upstairs hallway and then call out 'maaaammmmm' so sweetly.  As I reach for him, his little outstretch arms and open patties just waiting for me to snatch him up and cuddle.  Evan is a real morning cuddler too... he'll sweetly say that he just wants to cuddle... these days won't be here much longer... how I truly cherish them. 

Although I do appreciate how they grow and mature,  it is different with the older children. They're not much for cuddling, now they want to talk and share, this is equally as precious.  When they share their fears and cares, their joys and laughter, their trials and temptations.  As a mother my heart often seems to be in prayer for these children of mine... prayers for safety, continued purity, tenderness of heart, sincerity in life... and most importantly a desire in their own hearts for a personal relationship with Jesus. 

As a parent we only want the best for our children... I want them to have a peace in their hearts and lives that they can only know through a life that is surrendered to Him... a life that is more interested in others than self... a life of devotion.  There is such joy in a mothers heart when our children walk with the Lord.

"Children and mothers never truly part- bound in the beating of each others heart.' Charlotte Gray

Until next time,
Jean